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FY2026-70 LTP Wet Testing 2026 with Spheros Environmental Group ParentS P F I E R A'alr'S ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT QUOTATION CLIENT: Kodiak Island PROJECT: Kodiak Island Semi -Annual NPDES Testing 2026 BIDDER: Michelle Bennett Assumptions: 1 Sample shipping supplies will be provided. CLIENT PM: Carl Royall DATE OF BID: 2/23/2026 REFERENCE: PG2347 2 Testing will include reference toxicant test to assess organism sensitivity. 3 Testing will include a data report, statistical package, and CETIS Export File (if requested). 4 Cancellations within 48 hours of scheduled performance will incur a 50% cancellation fee for the respective tasks. 5 Payment Terms: Net 30 days; credit cards accepted and are subject to a 3% convenience fee. BID SUMMARY Task Unit Cost CHRONIC: Fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) 7 -day survival and growth static -renewal test. $2,790 Dilution series. Annual Total CHRONIC: Daphnid (Ceriodaphnia dubia) 6 -7 -day survival and reproduction static -renewal test. $2,820 Dilution series. *Sample Kit Shipment to Kodiak, AK: 3 coolers with 1 x 10L cubitainer in each $450 *Sample delivery from SETAC airport: Delivery Logistics, a third party service provider. Associated $1,300 costs will be amended to the final invoice. 3 samples *Estimated costs provided; actual costs will be invoiced Permit Cycle Summary Summer Total $7,360 Winter Total $7,360 Annual Total $14,720 SAMPLING: Samples should be either a 24-hour composite sample (if proper equipment and staffing is available) or a grab sample collected at a discrete time (as specified in the Permit). Samples should be maintained and shipped on ice, such that the temperature is 0 — 6 degrees Celsius upon receipt. The sample holding time objective is 36 hours (from the time of the final collection event) for the whole effluent toxicity tests. Three (3) effluent samples collected every -other day will be required to provide test solution for initiation and renewals of the chronic bioassays. A recommended shipping schedule should include shipping on a Wednesday, Thursday, and Monday, with sample deliveries on the following day via overnight courier. An alternate schedule may also be arranged if desired. Port Gamble Lab: 4770 NE View Drive, Port Gamble, WA98364 Headquarters: 1221 Auraria Parkway, Denver, CO 80204 www.spherosenvironmental.com 2 SPHER4S ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT QUOTATION SAMPLING SCHEDULE: Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Shipping Wednesday Shipping Thursday Shipping Monday 10 Liters 10 Liters 10 Liters Please provide courier tracking information via email after shipment of samples. CHRONIC: Three (3) effluent samples will be required to provide sufficient volume for test initiation and required test solution renewals for the chronic bioassays. EFFLUENT VOLUMES: Component Liters (L) of Sample # of Samples per Test Chronic Toxicity: Fathead Minnow 7 -day Survival and Growth Static Renewal Test 10 3 Chronic Toxicity: Ceriodaphnia dubia 7 -day Survival and Reproduction Static Renewal Test Standard Terms and Conditions Terms and Conditions are set forth on the following pages of this Agreement. The parties hereto execute this Agreement effective as of the date shown above. Spheros Environmental By: Printed Name: egina Edwards CLIENT: Kodiak Island By: Printed Name: Aimee Williams Title: ECOtOxicOlOgy Dept. ManagerTitle: Borough Manager Date: 3/25/2026 Date: 3/24/2026 Billing Address: _710 Mill Bay Road. Kodiak. AK 99615 Accounting POC Name: EF Secretary ( Jessica Basuel, Brian Price or Patricia Valerio) Email Address for Invoice: EFsecretary@kodiakak.us Port Gamble Lab: 4770 NE View Drive, Port Gamble, WA 98364 Headquarters: 1221 Auraria Parkway, Denver, CO 80204 www.spherosenvironmental.com 4 SP H E R P46 GENERAL TERMS AND CON ENVIRONMENTAL I. APPLICABILITY. These terms and conditions for services (these "Terms") are the only terms that govern the provision of services by Spheros Environmental Group Parent, Inc. ("Spheros Environmental") to name of the customer ("Client" and together with Spheros Environmental, the "Parties" and each, a "Party") set forth on the accompanying order confirmation, letter, statement of work, or purchase order (the "Order Confirmation"). The Order Confirmation and these Terms (collectively, this "Agreement") comprise the entire agreement between the Parties, and supersede all prior or contemporaneous understandings, agreements, negotiations, representations and warranties, and communications, both written and oral. In the event of any conflict between these Terms and the Order Confirmation, these Terms shall govern, unless the Order Confirmation expressly states that the terms and conditions of the Order Confirmation shall control. These Terms prevail over any of Client's general terms and conditions regardless of whether or when Client has submitted its request for proposal, order, or such terms. Provision of services to Client does not constitute acceptance of any of Client's terms and conditions and does not serve to modify or amend these Terms. This Agreement may not be modified except by an amendment in writing, signed by both Parties. II. SERVICES; PERFORMANCE DATES. Spheros Environmental shall provide the services to Client as described in the Order Confirmation (the "Services") in accordance with these Terms. Spheros Environmental shall use reasonable efforts to meet any performance dates specified in the Order Confirmation, and any such dates shall be estimates only. III. CLIENT'S ACTS OR OMISSIONS. If Spheros Environmental's performance of its obligations is delayed or prevented by any act or omission of Client or its agents, subcontractors, consultants, or employees, Spheros Environmental shall not be deemed in breach of its obligations under this Agreement or otherwise liable for any costs, charges, or losses sustained by Client to the extent arising directly or indirectly from such prevention or delay. IV. COMPENSATION. For the performance of the Services, Client agrees to pay, and Spheros Environmental agrees to accept, compensation set forth in the Order Confirmation. Spheros Environmental will be compensated in US dollars for its Services on a time -and -materials or fixed-price basis. Spheros Environmental's estimate of the cost for its Services is based on the information provided by Client, and rates, reimbursable expenses, and management fees made a part of the Agreement. Client shall be responsible for all sales, use, and excises taxes, and any other similar taxes, duties, and charges of any kind imposed by any federal, state, or local governmental entity. Client agrees to reimburse Spheros Environmental for all reasonable travel and out- of-pocket expenses incurred by Spheros Environmental in connection with the performance of the Services. In the event that the Services occur over more than one (1) calendar year or the Services start date is delayed more than ninety (90) days due to factors outside of Spheros Environmental's sole control, Spheros Environmental may, without the approval of Client, increase its rates by the greater of: (a) five percent (5%) or (b) the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price DITIONS FOR SERVICES index. Spheros Environmental will provide reasonable advance notice to Client prior to any potential rate increase. Invoices are submitted routinely, but no more than monthly, for time and expenses incurred or in the event of a fixed price contract as determined by the scope of work and applicable milestone for the percent of work completed. Terms of payment are net thirty (30) days. Overdue accounts are subject to an interest charge of one and a half percent (1.5%) per month and services may stop whenever payment is overdue more than sixty (60) days. Either Party may, at any time and from time to time during the term of this Agreement, request a change to the Services (each, a "Change"). Upon receipt of a request for any Change from Client, Spheros Environmental shall prepare and deliver to Client a proposal regarding the effect that such Change would have on (i) the cost of the Services, (ii) the timing for performance of the Services; and (iii) any other material aspect of this Agreement. Client and Spheros Environmental shall agree in writing on the terms applicable to any Change (each, a "Change Order"). Spheros Environmental may charge for the time it spends assessing and documenting a change request from Client on a time and materials basis. Spheros Environmental shall not implement any Change, and shall not be entitled to compensation for Services performed in respect of any Change, unless a Change Order in respect of such Change has been executed by both Parties. In the event that Spheros Environmental seeks any change to the Services such that the cost, scope, or schedule is impacted, Spheros Environmental shall within seven (7) days, notify Client in writing of the Change and promptly prepare and deliver to Client a proposal regarding the effect that such Change would have on (1) the cost of the Services, (2) the timing for performance of the Services and (3) any other material aspect of this Agreement. Notwithstanding this Section IV, Spheros Environmental may change the Services without the consent of Client provided that such changes do not materially affect the nature or scope of the Services, or the fees or any performance dates. V. OWNERSHIP OF DOCUMENTS. All intellectual property rights, including copyrights, patents, patent disclosures and inventions (whether patentable or not), trademarks, service marks, trade secrets, know-how and other confidential information, trade dress, trade names, logos, corporate names, and domain names, together with all of the goodwill associated therewith, derivative works and all other rights (collectively, "Intellectual Property Rights") in and to all documents, work product, and other materials that are delivered to Client under this Agreement or prepared by or on behalf of Spheros Environmental in the course of performing the Services, including any items identified as such in the Order Confirmation (collectively, the "Deliverables") except for any Confidential Information (as defined in Section VI) of Client or Client materials shall be owned by Spheros Environmental. Spheros Environmental hereby grants Client a license to use all Intellectual Property Rights free of additional charge and on a non-exclusive, worldwide, non -transferable, non-sublicensable, fully paid-up, royalty -free, and perpetual basis to the extent necessary to enable Client to make reasonable use of the Deliverables and the Services. The Client shall not re -use or make any modification to Spheros Environmental's designs, documents or work product without the prior written authorization of Spheros Environmental, and any such SPHERES ENVIRONMENTAL authorized use or modification shall be at the sole risk of Client with no liability to Spheros Environmental. VI. CONFIDENTIALITY. From time to time during the term of this Agreement, either Party (as the "Disclosing Party") may disclose or make available to the other Party (as the "Receiving Party"), non- public, proprietary, and confidential information of Disclosing Party (whether or not marked, designated, or otherwise identified as "confidential") in connection with the Services ("Confidential Information"); provided, however, that Confidential Information does not include any information that: (a) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of Receiving Party's breach of this Section VI; (b) is or becomes available to the Receiving Party on a non -confidential basis from a third -party source, provided that such third party is not and was not prohibited from disclosing such Confidential Information; (c) was in Receiving Party's possession prior to Disclosing Party's disclosure hereunder; or (d) was or is independently developed by Receiving Party without using any Confidential Information. Spheros Environmental's Confidential Information shall include the Services performed hereunder and the nature or results of the work performed hereunder. The Receiving Party shall: (i) protect and safeguard the confidentiality of the Disclosing Party's Confidential Information with at least the same degree of care as the Receiving Party would protect its own Confidential Information, but in no event with less than a commercially reasonable degree of care; (ii) not use the Disclosing Party's Confidential Information, or permit it to be accessed or used, for any purpose other than to exercise its rights or perform its obligations under this Agreement; and (iii) not disclose any such Confidential Information to any person or entity, except to the Receiving Party's Group who need to know the Confidential Information to assist the Receiving Party, or act on its behalf, to exercise its rights or perform its obligations under this Agreement. The Receiving Party shall be responsible for any breach of the confidentiality and non-use obligations contained herein by the Receiving Party's Group. If the Receiving Party is required by applicable law or legal process to disclose any Confidential Information, it shall, prior to making such disclosure, use commercially reasonable efforts to notify Disclosing Party of such requirements to afford Disclosing Party the opportunity to seek, at Disclosing Party's sole cost and expense, a protective order or other remedy. For purposes of this Section VI only, "Receiving Party's Group" shall mean the Receiving Party's affiliates and its or their employees, officers, directors, shareholders, partners, members, managers, agents, independent contractors, service providers, sublicensees, subcontractors, attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors. The terms of this Section VI shall survive and remain in force after any termination or expiration of this Agreement. VII. HEALTH AND SAFETY. Spheros Environmental has full responsibility for safety of its employees and agents, including providing appropriate safety equipment for its field personnel. In performance of the work, Spheros Environmental shall (a) comply with applicable federal, state and local statutes, regulations and ordinances regarding health and safety, and (b) prepare and comply with its own Health and Safety Plan, as well as any Health Spheros Environmental I Nww.spherosenvironmental.com I Page 2 and Safety Plan prepared by Client and delivered to Spheros Environmental prior to commencement of the Services for the site. VIII. SITE ENVIROMENTAL CONDITIONS. Client shall furnish or make available to Spheros Environmental such documents and information that relate to the identity, location, quantity, nature, or characteristics of any petroleum products, hazardous materials or asbestos at, on, or under the site. If, at any time, evidence of the existence or possible existence of such substances is discovered, Spheros Environmental reserves the right to stop work and renegotiate any consulting agreement and, the fees for our services and our continued involvement in the project. Spheros Environmental will promptly notify Client of any unanticipated hazardous materials or suspected hazardous materials it discovers. In the event that Spheros Environmental removes any pre-existing materials, Spheros Environmental may, but not shall be required to, assist the Client in characterization and handle the pre-existing materials in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and ordinances. Client shall be responsible for signing any manifest that may be required to ship pre-existing hazardous materials off site. At no time whatsoever shall Spheros Environmental be considered or assume the responsibilities of a generator of any pre-existing petroleum, chemical or hazardous material located on or about the site where the work is performed. The discovery of hazardous materials or suspected hazardous materials may make it necessary for Spheros Environmental to take immediate measures to protect human health and safety and/or the environment. Client agrees to compensate Spheros Environmental for the cost of any and all measures that, in our professional onsite judgment are justified to preserve and protect the health and safety of our personnel, Client's employees and/or the public, and/or the environment. In addition, Client waives any claims against Spheros Environmental and, to the full extent permitted by law, agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Spheros Environmental harmless from any and all claims, damages and liability, including but not limited to cost of defense, in any way connected with petroleum products, hazardous materials or asbestos. RCRA Compliance. Client shall be responsible for complying with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901 et. seq. ("RCRA") and its implementing regulations in connection with Spheros Environmental's work under this Agreement. Client may request Spheros Environmental's assistance in meeting its RCRA and other similar waste management obligations, including analytical testing to assist Client in proper characterization of waste, identifying potential transporters and disposal facilities forwaste (provided that Client shall make the final selection of both the transporter and disposal facility), entering into subcontracts or purchase order arrangements with the transporters and/or disposal facilities selected by Client, and preparing manifests for the Client's approval and execution. Client agrees that, by virtue of providing these services, Spheros Environmental shall not be deemed a "generator" or a party who "arranges" for the "transportation," "treatment" or "disposal" of any "hazardous waste" or "hazardous substance" (as those terms are defined in the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act or "CERCLA", 42 U.S.C. Section 9601). Client agrees to SPHIERi-drlS ENVIRONMENTAL SPHERES ENVIRONMENTAL indemnify, defend and hold Spheros Environmental, its directors, officers, employees and agents, harmless from and against any and all damages, claims, demands, judgments, obligations, liabilities, any costs (including reasonable attorneys' and expert fees) relating to: (1) Spheros Environmental's work in assisting Client with its RCRA obligations; and (2) the generation, arrangement, transportation, treatment, and disposal of hazardous substances or hazardous waste generated by the field activities conducted for Client. IX. CLIENT OBLIGATIONS AND SITE ACCESS. Client shall at its cost and at such times as may be required by Spheros Environmental for the successful and timely completion of Services: (a) provide unimpeded and timely access to any site, including third party sites if required (b) provide an adequate area for Spheros Environmental's site office facilities, equipment storage, and employee parking; (c) furnish all construction utilities and utilities releases necessary for the Services; (d) provide the locations of all subsurface structures, including piping, tanks, cables, and utilities; (e) approve all locations for digging and drilling operations; (f) obtain all permits and licenses which are necessary and required to be taken out in Spheros Environmental's name for the Services; (g) cooperate with Spheros Environmental in all matters relating to Services; and (h) respond and provide promptly to any Spheros Environmental requests for information, material, authorizations, approvals, or other items reasonably necessary to provide or complete Services. Spheros Environmental will not be liable for damage or injury arising from damage to subsurface structures that are not disclosed in writing to Spheros Environmental in connection with its work. Reporting Requirements. Client may be required under federal, state or local statutes or regulations to report the results of Spheros Environmental's services to appropriate regulatory agencies. Spheros Environmental is not responsible for advising Client about its reporting obligations and Client agrees that it shall be responsible for all reporting, unless Spheros Environmental has an independent duty to report under applicable law. In those situations, Spheros Environmental will provide Client with advance notice that Spheros Environmental believes that it has an obligation to report as well as the substance of the report it intends to make. X. COST ESTIMATES. If included in the Services, Spheros Environmental will provide cost estimates based upon Spheros Environmental's experience on similar projects, which are not intended for use by Client or any other party in developing firm budgets or financial models, or in making investment decisions. Such cost estimates represent only Spheros Environmental's judgment as a professional and, if furnished, only for Client's general guidance and are not guaranteed as to accuracy. XI. LIMITED WARRANTY AND REMEDIES. Spheros Environmental represents and warrants to Client that it shall perform the Services with the standard of care, diligence and skill ordinarily exercised by firms providing similar services and in accordance with generally recognized industry standards. Spheros Environmental shall furnish all tools, labor, and supplies in such quantities and of the proper quality to professionally and timely Spheros Environmental I www.spherosenvironmental.com I Page 3 perform the Services. Spheros Environmental shall not be liable for a breach of the warranty set forth in this Section XI unless Client gives written notice of the defective Services, reasonably described, to Spheros Environmental within thirty (30) days of the time when Client discovers or ought to have discovered that the Services were defective. Subject to the foregoing, Spheros Environmental shall, in its sole discretion, either (a) repair or re -perform such Services; or (b) credit or refund the price of such Services at the pro rata contract rate. THE REMEDIES SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION XI SHALL BE CLIENT'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND SPHEROS ENVIRONMENTAL'S ENTIRE LIABILITY FOR ANY BREACH OF THE LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH HEREIN. XII. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES. EXCEPT FOR THE WARRANTY SET FORTH IN SECTION XII ABOVE, SPHEROS ENVIRONMENTAL MAKES NO WARRANTY WHATSOEVER WITH RESPECT TO THE SERVICES, INCLUDING ANY (a) WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY; (b) WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE; (c) WARRANTY OF TITLE; OR (d) WARRANTY AGAINST INFRINGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF A THIRD PARTY; WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED BY LAW, COURSE OF DEALING, COURSE OF PERFORMANCE, USAGE OF TRADE, OR OTHERWISE. XIII. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. Spheros Environmental is an independent contractor, and is responsible for the means and methods of carrying out the scope of services and for the safety of its employees and agents. Spheros Environmental retains the right to require that the services provided by Spheros Environmental meet specific standards without regard to the manner and means of accomplishment thereof. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as creating any agency, partnership, joint venture or other form ofjoint enterprise, employment, or fiduciary relationship between the Parties, and neither Party shall have authority to contract for or bind the other Party in any manner whatsoever. XIV. INDEMNIFICATION. Client agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Spheros Environmental and their respective officers, directors and employees against damages, liabilities or costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees and defense costs, arising out of or resulting from (a) bodily injury, death of any person, or damage to real or tangible, personal property resulting from negligent or willful acts or omissions of Client and (b) Client's breach of any representation, warranty, or obligation of Client in this Agreement. This Section XIV shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement. XV. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY OR TO ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY LOSS OF USE, REVENUE OR PROFIT OR LOSS OF DATA OR DIMINUTION IN VALUE, OR FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES WHETHER ARISING OUT OF BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), OR OTHERWISE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGES WERE FORESEEABLE AND WHETHER OR NOT SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF ANY AGREED OR OTHER REMEDY OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE. IN NO SPHIER0-5201S ENVIRONMENTAL SPHERES ENVIRONMENTAL EVENT SHALL SPHEROS ENVIRONMENTAL'S AGGREGATE LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE, EXCEED THE AGGREGATE AMOUNTS PAID OR PAYABLE TO SPHEROS ENVIRONMENTAL PURSUANT TO THE APPLICABLE ORDER CONFIRMATION. XVI. INSURANCE. Spheros Environmental shall procure and maintain the following insurance throughout the term of this Agreement: (a) Commercial General Liability; (b) Automobile Liability; (c) Workers' Compensation and Employer's Liability; and (d) Professional Liability. XVII. FORCE MAJEURE. Neither Party shall be liable nor deemed to be in default for any delay or failure in performance under this Agreement resulting from the acts of God, civil or military authority, material change of law, acts of public enemy, war, accidents, fires, explosions, earthquakes, floods, failure of transportation, regional emergencies, strikes or other industrial interruptions by either Party's employees, or any similar or dissimilar cause beyond the reasonable control of either Party. The impacted Party shall resume the performance of its obligations as soon as reasonably practicable after the removal of the cause. In the event that the impacted Party's failure or delay remains uncured for a period of fifteen (15) consecutive days following written, either Party may thereafter terminate this Agreement upon twenty (20) days' written notice. XVIII. NOTICE. Any notice to be given hereunder by either Party to the other, shall be in writing and addressed to the Parties at the addresses set forth in the Order Confirmation or to such other address that may be designated by the receiving Party in writing. All notices shall be deemed given when delivered (a) in person, (b) by certified mail, return receipt requested, (c) by commercial courier that provides a receipt of delivery, or (d) by email when the receiving Party acknowledges receipt. XIX. TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE. Either Party may terminate all or part of this Agreement for its convenience and without cause upon giving the other Party not less than thirty (30) days written notice. In such event, Spheros Environmental shall be compensated for the Services competently performed up to and including the date of termination. XX. TERMINATION FOR DEFAULT. Either Party may terminate this Agreement for cause upon giving the other Party not less than ten (10) days written notice for any of the following reasons: (a) substantial failure by the other Party to perform in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and through no fault of the terminating Party, including lack of payment by Client; (b) assignment of this Agreement or transfer of the project by either Party to any other entity without prior written consent of the other Party; (c) suspension of the project or of the Services for more than ninety (90) days, consecutive or in the aggregate; (d) material changes in the conditions under which this Agreement was entered into, the Services or the nature of the project, and the failure of the Parties to reach agreement on the compensation; or (e) Client becomes insolvent or files a petition for bankruptcy. Either Party shall have a period of ten (10) business days from the notice of Spheros Environmental I www.spherosenvironmental.com I Page 4 noncompliance and threatened termination to cure or correct the default. If this Agreement is terminated following default by Spheros Environmental, Client is relieved of any unpaid payment obligations owed Spheros Environmental for services performed after the default. If this Agreement is terminated following default by Client, Client shall be liable to Spheros Environmental for all unpaid compensation for Services, as well as any collection fees associated with the collection of said compensation including but not limited to, attorneys' fees, court costs, and other related expenses up to and including the termination date. XXI. ASSIGNMENT. Client shall not assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of Spheros Environmental. Any purported assignment or delegation in violation of this Section XXI is null and void. No assignment or delegation relieves Client of any of its obligations under this Agreement. XXII. ANTI -DISCRIMINATION. The Parties hereby incorporate the requirements of 41 C.F.R. § 60-1.4(a) and 29 C.F.R. § 471, Appendix A to Subpart A, if applicable. Spheros Environmental and Client shall also abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-741.5(a), if applicable. These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities and require affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities. XXIII. ENFORCEMENT AND WAIVER. The failure of either Party in any one or more instances to insist upon strict performance of any of the terms and provisions of this Agreement, shall not be construed as a waiver of the right to assert any such terms and provisions on any future occasion or of damages caused thereby. XXIV. CHOICE OF LAW; JURISDICTION. This Agreement shall be administered and interpreted under the laws of the State of Colorado without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision. Subject to Section XXVIII, any legal suit, action, or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be instituted in the federal courts of the United States of America or the courts of the State of Colorado, and each Party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any such suit, action, or proceeding. XXV. SEVERABILITY. If any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not invalidate or render unenforceable the entire Agreement, but rather the entire Agreement shall be construed as if not containing the particular invalid or unenforceable provision or provisions, and the rights and obligations of the Party shall be construed and enforced accordingly, to effectuate the essential intent and purposes of this Agreement. XXVI. NONEXCLUSIVE NATURE. This Agreement is not exclusive. Spheros Environmental is free to provide similar services or deliverables to others. Client makes no representations or SPHIERi-drlS ENVIRONMENTAL SPHERES ENVIRONMENTAL warranties as to a minimum or maximum procurement of services hereunder. XXVII. SURVIVAL. Provisions of these Terms, which by their nature should apply beyond their terms, will remain in force after any termination or expiration of this Agreement including, but not limited to, the following provisions: Confidentiality, Disputes, Compensation, Ownership of Documents, Insurance, and Survival. XXVIII. DISPUTES. In an effort to resolve any conflicts that may arise, Client and Spheros Environmental agree to resolve any claims or disputes related to this Agreement, in an amicable, professional, and expeditious manner so as to avoid unnecessary disruptions and delays to the Services. For any claim or dispute the Parties shall first attempt to resolve such claim or dispute through discussions between Client's and Spheros Environmental's designated representatives. If any such claim or dispute is not resolved through such discussions, the responsible executive of each Party, who shall possess the authority to resolve such matter, shall attempt to resolve such claim or dispute. Either Party may initiate discussions by written notice to the other Party setting forth the subject of the claim or dispute and the resolution sought. The Party in receipt of such notice shall respond within five (5) business days with a written statement of its position on, and recommended solution to, the claim or dispute. If the claim or dispute is not resolved by this exchange of correspondence, then the responsible senior executives of each Party shall meet at a mutually agreeable time and place within ten (10) business days from the Party's response in an attempt to resolve the claim or dispute. Any claims or disputes between the Parties arising out of or relating to this Agreement, which have not been resolved in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section XXVIII shall be submitted to nonbinding mediation unless the Parties mutually agree otherwise. Each Party shall pay for its own costs and one-half the cost of a mutually acceptable mediator. In the event mediation is not successful, the claims or disputes between the Parties shall subject to litigation in a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Colorado. The Parties irrevocably consent to the personal jurisdiction of said courts and waive any and all defenses of forum non conveniens, improper venue, or lack of personal jurisdiction. Spheros Environmental I vww.spherosenvironmental.com I Page SPHEROS ENVIRONMENTAL